Page 67 of Make My Heart Malt

“He didn’t ghost me for ten years.” As soon as the words are out, I pinch my eyes shut. I regret them as soon as they pass my lips.

“Yeah. I thought we moved passed that, but apparently not.” His tone is dejected.

My head is a massive knot. I squeeze my temples, willing the throbbing to stop. Everything was going well, or so I thought. “I didn’t mean that. I’m tired of being the rope in yours and Tony’s game of tug of war. I need time to sort all of this out. Everything happened so fast. You’re in Seattle and I’m here. And all the drama with you and Tony. I don’t know. We dove headfirst into this… relationship. Maybe we should slow things down.”

“Is that what you want?” His voice is low.

“I think it’s for the best. At least right now.”

“I’ll give you space for now, but know that this thing between me and you isn’t over. It’s far from over. We both know it. But also, so you know the truth, the real truth, not the fabricated shit Tony gave you, I punched him because he cheated on you and only dated you so I couldn’t.”

The call goes silent.

TWENTY-NINE

FROM BEST TO WORST

Dessa

It’s been over a week since I talked to either Tony or Garrett. Tony’s been on his honeymoon, and Garrett’s been MIA. On New Year’s Eve, loneliness sucker punched me in the gut as I watched all the happy couples in the bar lock lips at midnight. All I could do was sip my glass of water—I couldn’t even drown my misery in alcohol because I was working. To be fair, he sent me a text at midnight, ten o’clock his time, wishing me a Happy New Year. I didn’t respond, mostly because I didn’t know what to say.

I’m still conflicted about their fight. Rylee and Nora both agreed Tony deserved the punch to his face, and it was sweet for Garrett to defend my honor. But Lach thought it was dumb since Tony cheating happened yearsago, and it’s not worth the fight. Plus, there’s the whole Tony-dated-me-so-Garrett-couldn’t situation that seems too far-fetched to believe. Who would spend four years with someone they didn’t like? Either way, I don’t know who’s actually telling the truth yet. This would be better if we didn’t have such a complicated history.

I’m stocking the beer cooler when the front door opens, the sliver of light catching my attention. Tony strolls in wearing a dark gray wool pea coat. He runs his hand through his chestnut-colored hair, brushing the snowflakes away while the ones that linger melt from the warm temperature.

“Hey, Tony. I wasn’t expecting to see you.” I throw the empty box onto the floor as he takes a seat on a stool in front of me. “Looks like the shiner is finally starting to go away.”

“Yeah and just in time.”

I point to the beer taps with a raised brow, silently asking if he wants a beer. He shakes his head. “Just in time for what?” I ask while reaching inside the cooler for a bottle of beer for another customer.

“I’m heading to Chicago for work next week. I have a couple of recruiting meetings and meetings with coaches. You should come with me.”

My head snaps back. “Go with you to Chicago? Shouldn’t that be something you ask your wife to do?”

He chuckles softly. “That sounds bad, doesn’t it? Let me start over. Over Christmas, Georgia and I ate at Poco Grande. Georgia thought it would be a fun surprise to arrange a meet and greet between you and Isabella. I made a phone call and she was thrilled with the idea.”

The bottle of beer slips from my hand and hits the bar with a heavy thud. Luckily, it didn’t break, but I set it to theside and grab another one. “That would be a dream!” I fight hard to not climb on the bar and dance and scream right now. It might frighten the customers, otherwise there’s a good chance that would be happening. With a firm grasp on the second bottle, I pass it to the customer.

“Let me talk to Jake and see if I need to change anything with my schedule. What days?”

A wide smile splits Tony’s face. “Thursday through Saturday.”

“And what about Georgia? Will she also be going?”

He frowns. “No. She’s busy with the interior designer for her new shop.”

A part of me would be more comfortable if Georgia was going. “Are you sure Georgia is okay with this? The last thing I want to do is step on anyone’s toes.”

“Of course. It was her idea.” He waves me off.

His words are reassuring, but I’m still asking her myself. “I'm meeting Isabella Rossi!” I can no longer contain my squeal. My hands shoot up in the air, and I twirl in a happy dance. “What am I going to wear? I need to compile a list of questions because I’m going to forget everything once I meet her. Should I bring a gift? What if she asks me questions? I don’t think I’ll be prepared for that.”

“Dessa, calm down. She’s a really chill person. You’ll get along great with her.”

I nod in an attempt to simmer my excitement. I round the end of the bar and wrap my arms around Tony. “Seriously, this is amazing. The best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Well, I’m happy it could be me who can make this happen for you.”

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